Clare educators say more students are coming to school hungry in the past year due to the rising cost of living.
New research from Kellogg Ireland has found that 4 in 10 teachers are seeing children arrive to school every day hungry.
Over 200 teachers at primary and secondary school level were surveyed about their experience of hunger in the classroom, with 78% of those saying that they see pupils coming to school without breakfast at least once a week.
The Kellogg’s Ireland research also found that 75% of teachers believe the problem has worsened in recent years.
An Ennis Principal has noticed a stark difference in the numbers presenting at school without having eaten.
St. Flannan’s College started a junior branch of the SVP and a breakfast club a number of years ago after the prevalence of student hunger was brought to the principal’s attention.
Principal, Fr. Ignatious McCormack, says the numbers attending the breakfast club have increased in the past year, and believes the social aspect to the morning gathering enables students in need to overcome the stigma attached to seeking help.
An assistant primary school principal in the county town insists it should be the government and not schools who fund supports for students coming to school hungry.
Assistant Principal at CBS Primary School in Ennis, Colm Davoren, says the economic turmoil has trickled down to school children, who are now suffering as a result.
Colm believes that investing in young people starts by ensuring their body’s are fueled to learn.
Listen back to the full interview here: